Indian Cave State Park Nebraska
Indian Cave State Park has stunning views of the Missouri river, with beautiful rock formations along its banks. The Fall months are remarkable at this park, where views of delicately curved formations provide a fascinating glimpse of prehistoric carvings along the cave walls. The gold and red hues that envelop visitors on either side of their romp through the caves make it a particularly enveloping fall experience.
This is a guest post by camping enthusiast Michelle Martin.
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Where To Camp In Yosemite National Park In The Fall
More than a dozen campgrounds dot Yosemite National Park. Only the Upper Pines, Camp 4 and Wawona Campgrounds are open year-round. North Pines is open through mid-November, and Lower Pines is open through the third week of October.
All three featured Yosemite National Park campgrounds below can accommodate both RVs and tents, but youre advised to double-check individual site details when reserving a site, as there may be length restrictions. Yosemite is a massively popular park and making reservations is the best way to ensure that you have a place to camp during your visit reservations can be made up to five months in advance.
None of the campgrounds have hookups of any kind, nor showers. Public showers are only available at Half Dome Village in Yosemite Valley.
Valley Of Fire State Park
Located just an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is an unexpected fall escape. There, the brilliant gold and red hues of the season are present year-round not on the forest floor, but on massive ancient sandstone formations and desert scapes. 75 degree days make this season the most comfortable time to explore the curving red dunes and ancient petroglyphs left by the Anasazi tribe thousands of years ago.
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Five Fall Camping Destinations
The introduction of cooler temperatures and crisper air sets the stage for vibrant changing leaves, campfires, and cozy nights camping under the stars. Each Tennessee State Park adopts a new personality with the changing season. Summer crowds begin to thin and life inside the park gains a unique vibrancy. Fall in love with your favorite park all over again or plan your next camping adventure somewhere new. With thousands of acres to explore, our parks provide a spacious fall getaway with ample outdoor activities. To inspire you, weve put together a list of 5 stunning parks across the state perfect for fall camping.
South Cumberland State Park
Best For: Serine campsites and hiking with breathtaking views
Dogs: All campgrounds are dog-friendly. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Access: Drive-up
About the Park: Imagine hiking to the top of a rock cliff and looking out at over 55 miles of beautiful forest as the breathtaking autumn colors take over the once lush, green gulf. These amazing scenes exist at South Cumberland State Park. South Cumberland State Park is located within four different Tennessee counties and is composed of approximately 30,845 acres in nine separate areas. See spectacular rock formations, cascading streams, waterfalls, rocky gorges, panoramic overlooks, and lush woodlands.
Best For: Horseback riding and family-friendly car camping
Dogs: All campgrounds are dog-friendly. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Access: Drive-up
South: Big Bend National Park Texas
Fall in Texas often remains warm well into November, but it is still the perfect season for visiting Big Bend National Park, a remote section of the map that offers plenty of solitude for the adventurous travelers. Located along the U.S.-Mexico border, this is one of the least visited parks in the country, which only heightens its appeal for those looking to get away from it all. Big Bend doesn’t offer much in the way of fall colors, but it makes up for it with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, which includes deep canyons to explore, and some of the clearest night skies you’ll find anywhere. Chance are you’ll still see plenty of natural red, yellow, and orange hues, they’ll just be the colors of the rocks instead of the leaves.
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Where To Camp In Shenandoah National Park In The Fall
All five campgrounds in Shenandoah National Parkfour standard campgrounds and one group campgroundare open seasonally. They open throughout spring, with Big Meadows first in late March, followed by Lewis Mountain shortly after, and the rest in early May. They all close for the season on the last Monday of October, with the only exception of Big Meadows, which remains open for another two weeks.
None of the Shenandoah National Park campgrounds have hookups, but potable water is available. RVers might want to consider that only the Lewis Mountain Campground has a dump station. All sites have fire pits, picnic tables and food storage boxes. This is black bear country, so always keep a clean campsite!
Capitol Reef National Park
With unique landscapes from cliffs and canyons to domes and even something they refer to as a wrinkle on earth, youll want to check out Capital Reef National Park. A bonus feature of going in September are the apple and pear fruit orchards that are available to pick through the month. Experience the park both during the day and after dark with the incredible views of an endless starry night stretching for hundreds of miles. With a range of adventurous and laid-back campgrounds, Capitol Reef National Park is a unique and incredible place to visit.
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White Mountain National Forest New Hampshire And Maine
If you’re looking for a rugged hike, look no further than this northernmost part of the Appalachian Valley. The sights are particularly magical in the fall when leaf-peeping season is at its peak. Plus, the forest has several campgrounds with a combined hundreds of campsites. Currently, several campgrounds, climbing areas, and shelters remain closed.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tennessee
Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most-visited and one of the most biologically diverse forests in the country. With historic log buildings, plenty of waterfalls, and a heavy dose of refreshing Appalachian Mountain culture, this park has plenty of stunning places to camp. Some close at the end of October, but others are open year-round. Activities in the park include biking, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. There are eight campgrounds available: Abram’s Creek Campground, Cades Cove Campground, Cosby Campground, Elkmont Campground, Cades Cove Group Campground, Anthony Creek Horse Campground, Look Rock Campground, and Cosby Group Campground.
For more information, see the official website.
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Yosemite In The Fall October In Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite Valley is worth seeing at any time of year, and wed even like to go there in the winter to see the park with snow. Fall is an excellent season to visit this park. Its not only more comfortable weather, but the crowds are less, which adds to the enjoyment of the park.
The valley is breathtakingly beautiful, although it may get extremely congested from time to time. A trip in the fall is simply ideal.
Besides enjoying the beautiful views of the Yosemite Valley and Yosemite falls, one of the best parts of the park is Glacier Point. Dont pass up the chance to visit this picturesque lookout with views over the entire Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome.
Glacier Point sunset is breathtaking. We brought a picnic supper and sat on a rock to enjoy the sunlight reflecting from the granite rocks until it all turned to shadows. This is a cant-miss stop in the park.
Fall Camping In The White Mountains: Franconia Notch State Park
Mountain vistas. Crystal lakes, thundering waterfalls. Franconia Notch State Park is one of the most thrilling places to experience fall foliage in the White Mountains. Its also one of the most crowded, so be sure to plan your trip far in advance. Highlights of Franconia Notch include the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain, the famous Flume Gorge with its multitudes of waterfalls, and hiking trails for every type of hiker and outdoor enthusiast.
Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest and is very close to the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway. Be sure to drive this route! Start your drive early in the morning to miss most of the tourist traffic.
There are two campgrounds in Franconia Notch State Park Lafayette Place has 97 wooded campsites with no hook-ups and Cannon Mountain RV Park has 7 year-round sites with hook-ups, with no water or sewer available after mid-October.
What we love about Franconia Notch State Park: Photographing the reflections on Echo Lake.
Something to consider: In 2021, New Hampshire State Parks has implemented a reservation system, not just for campgrounds, but for other popular tourist attractions like Flume Gorge. This means you will have to plan carefully to make the most of your visit.
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Where To Camp In Acadia National Park In The Fall
Of the four regular campgrounds in Acadia National Park, only one is open through the month of October. Two are open during the first weeks of the month, so weve highlighted those below as well.
Camping in Acadia National Park is popular and reservations are highly recommended from spring through to the end of the season. Also, note that there really is only one campground in the main area of the park on Mount Desert IslandBlackwoods Campground. All others are spread out across other peninsulas or islands in the park. They might lack accessibility, but make up for it with seclusion and quietness.
Great Destinations For Fall Camping
Michael De Young/Getty
Fall is one of the absolute best times to go camping. Not only is the summer heat quickly fading from memory, but the landscapes are painted with vibrant colors as the leaves make their annual change from green to gold, crimson, and orange. The crisp autumn nights are perfect for gathering around a campfire and then later snuggling inside a warm sleeping bag. Best of all, many of the trails and campsite are far less crowded than they are during the warmer months of the year, making the backcountry a bit quieter and more enjoyable.
If you’re planning a camping trip this autumn, we have some suggestions on where you should go, no matter which part of the country you live in. Read on for our selections of the best camping destinations in the U.S. for the coming fall.
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Escape To The Shenandoah National Park For A Fall Getaway
When it comes to camping, in Shenandoah, Virginia, you can look forward to having over 500 miles of trails to explore. Hike up eight miles to the top of Old Rag Mountain, and take in some incredible views over forests and waterfalls. Close to Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park is one of the more easily accessible camping spots. With five campgrounds as well as some great options nearby, camping in Shenandoah is the perfect place to enjoy a secluded, fall vacation, avoiding the crowds, and enjoying the peace and quiet of the national park.
Places To Explore In Bc This Fall
It is that time of the year again. When the leaves start to change color, the air becomes slightly crisper. Fall is a magical season, and theres no better time to explore the best of everything BC has to offer.
The province of British Columbia is home to incredible natural beauty, from mountains and seaside towns to national parks and wildlife preserves British Columbia has a diverse array of attractions for visitors of every age.
There are so many unique places to visit in this beautiful province, but where do you start? If youre looking for some worthwhile ideas, read on for our top 5 picks for places to explore in BC this fall.
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Discover The Best Fall Camping In New England
Categories Get Outside, camping, Destinations, New England USA, United States
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Are you excited about the prospect of fall camping in New England? The weather may be chilly, but if you plan ahead, you can pitch your tent among the colorful fall foliage without pesky mosquitoes and crowded campsites. Mother Nature is throwing a pre-winter party and were all invited.
Now is the perfect time to book your fall camping trip in New England, before frigid, damp nights send you running for the nearest woodstove. Even if you live for warm, starry nights, fireflies, and smoky campfires, you can revel in this short, sweet season. Theres no better place to go camping in the fall than in New England.
The following campgrounds provide some of the best camping in New England. They are so special that they attract throngs of people all summer long. Come August or September, when the kids go back to school, youll find blissfully quiet campsites, cool nights that just beg for a campfire, and autumn leaves that crunch underfoot as you hike miles of secluded trails.
Dont wait to reserve a spot at one of these lovely New England Campgrounds. A late-season stay will help fuel your outdoor dreams until the last vestiges of snow have melted into another spring. These are our favorite spots for fall camping in New England Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Grand Canyon National Park Arizona
There’s no place like the Grand Canyon if you want a stunning view. Reservations are recommended for two of the three developed campgrounds during the summer. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a permit. While the South Rim is easier to get to, it can get a little crowded. For a more secluded stay, try the North Rim, if you don’t mind having a slightly harder time getting there. The park is currently undergoing a phased reopening, and campsites on the South Rim are gradually starting to reopen with restrictions, but the North Rim campground is closed until July.
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Rural Camping Near Deep Creek Hot Springs
This is for a more adventurous hiker because the trail descends steeply for 2 1/2 miles to the springs. There is an alternative route if you hike the Pacific Crest Trail east from Arrowhead Lake Road. It is roughly a six-mile hike. If you looking for a wilderness hike challenge with an amazing payoff by a soak in a hot spring as your reward at the end, this is the place for you!
Deep Creek Hot Springs is one of my favorite hot springs in the entire world
Adirondack Gateway Rv Resort & Campground
Gansevoort, New York
High on the list of destinations for camping in fall is the Adirondack region of New York. These rugged northeastern mountains feature vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges when autumn arrives. And thanks to the abundance of lakes in the area, you can see the hues reflected in the water as well.
Nestled in the lower elevations, Adirondack Gateway RV Resort & Campground is a great place to stay. Guests enjoy the option of campsites or cabin rentals, all with access to many amenities. From fishing to sports and more, there’s plenty to do onsite. But don’t forget to roam in the mountains around Lake George!
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Fort De Soto Park Florida
The Sunshine State’s Fort De Soto Park covers five islands and 1,136 acres on the Gulf of Mexico. At the heart of the park, Fort De Soto offers a historical attraction, while over 328 species of birds draw the nature-loving crowd. They will also appreciate that, from April to September, loggerhead sea turtles use the islands to nest and lay eggs. If your visit is timed just right, you might get the rare chance to witness sea turtle hatchlings emerge from the white sands and clamor towards the Florida waters. Moreover, mangroves, palm trees, and hardwoods grow in this area, and nature trails can be found across the islands. Activities in the park include biking, boating, hiking, fishing, wind sports, and swimming. The park has both family camping areas and primitive camping options, with over 200 available campsites across the five islands.
For more information, see the official website.
Fall Camping Destinations: Banff National Park Alberta
When you think of beautiful places to travel in Canada, Banff often comes to mind, but perhaps not as a fall camping destination. Banff, to many people, means two things: skiing and snowboarding. Thats just a shame because its one of the most beautiful fall locations you could ever hope to discover. If you start to feel the autumn chill creeping into your bones, thaw yourself out in Banffs soothing hot springs, backdropped by alpine scenery, before retiring for the night at Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground. Still feeling cold? Forget the tent. You should probably take your trailer to the Lake Louise Trailer Campground.
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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Georgia
A refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife, Okefenokee Swamp is like “no place on earth.” The swamp is one of the largest intact freshwater wetlands in the world and serves as home to some of the region’s most unique wildlife. Endangered species find refuge in the swamps that surround the 120-mile Wilderness trail system. Visitors to this southeast Georgia destination can canoe or kayak along the trail system to designated campsites. Permits are required for campingbut it’s worth investigating. Although, your GPS will not be enough to get you there. You’ll need to follow the specific directions provided.
For more information, see the official website.